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Resources from Alternative Options

Many of us are in the same boat. We are raising children with special needs. The problem is, they didn’t come with a manual and there are things that happen with them that we can’t explain, medicine can’t explain, and mainstream medicine can’t always cure. Our purpose at our last FamilyShare support group meeting was to share some potential solutions and possible alternative product options. Our goal was for people to leave with information, resources, and options to consider. DISCLAIMER: These are some of the things that have worked for some families. These are not the only things that work, and they may not work for everyone. Please talk with your healthcare team about any additions/changes you make to your life.

Partners In Policymaking

WHAT IS PARTNERS?

The Partners in Policymaking Leadership Institute is a leadership, advocacy and self-advocacy training program for adults with disabilities and family members of persons with disabilities from across the state, sponsored by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

WHAT WILL THE SELECTED PARTNERS PARTICIPANTS DO?

Attend information sessions by local and national experts in the disability field on a variety of disability-related topics, including employment, building inclusive communities and classrooms, the state and federal legislative processes, supported and independent living, assistive technology, strategies for advocates and conducting effective meetings.

Follow Up Resources for Special Needs Trust

In January and February, Martin Pierce & Jeffery Babb made presentations to both our Tennessee and Georgia support groups sharing information about Special Needs Trusts, Conservatorships, Guardianships, Powers of Attorney and other related resources. Below are listed some of the resources which were referenced in those events as well as some additional Georgia-specific resources shared by Walker County Parent Mentor Michal Jones.

What I Learned From Homeschooling Anna

Did you ever wonder how parents of kids with extensive lists of diagnoses and therapies ever homeschool? Amanda Alexander, mom to Anna, homeschools successfully in spite of Anna’s major diagnoses of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, plus more than a dozen others. Anna has had many therapies- speech, ESOL, OT, ABA, DBT, CBT, EMDR, etc, but Amanda says “If I can do this, anyone can!” As she looks back today, I asked Amanda to share some wisdom from her journey with Anna…

On this day 3 years ago, I started homeschooling our oldest daughter for the first time. I set up a classroom at home that was similar to public school and enrolled her in gymnastics, homeschool PE at the YMCA, homeschool co-op at a local church, and she continued dance classes (ballet & tap) she was already enrolled in. It was TOO much for our daughter. The reason we withdrew her from public school was because it (set up, class placement, etc.) wasn’t working with her early childhood history of neglect, abuse, and institutionalization in Russia prior to adoption. Why did I think duplicating the public school at home would help? I meant well back then but I’ve learned a lot over time!!

Special Touch Ministry – Summer Camp

A Special Touch Chapter is a faith-based friendship support group with regular meetings. Special Touch Chapters enrich the lives of people with disabilities through the exchange of helpful information, resources, mentorship, encouragement, and opportunities for fun and friendship.

Events

Volunteer Advocacy Project Recertification Training

Graduates of the past six years of the Volunteer Advocacy Project will be reuniting for a recertification and update on some new special education regulations. These regulations will have significant impact and all VAP graduates need to make plans to attend. Free meal for those who register by March 16th.

What Do I Do with All of the Paperwork and Appointments? How Can I Keep It All Organized?

So when your life changes because of a new diagnosis or a child’s special needs and you need to create a new schedule, what stays and what goes? How do you decide the priorities and get the most effect for every opportunity or appointment?

Join us as we talk about simple organizational strategies. Parents will be sharing from their own experience how they have learned to organize and manage their time effectively when raising a child with special needs.

Free Childcare and Meal with Registration by midnight on March 14, 2015. Contact LifeLine at registration@lifelinefamilies.org or Michal Jones, Parent Mentor Walker County at michaljones@walkerschools.org.

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

FamilyShare is LifeLine’s monthly Support Group Meeting open to families regardless of their child’s diagnosis or age. Join us for a quiet meal, listen to a representative from a local resource share information about their organization, how to get services, and answer questions from families. Find others who share the same struggles and joys! Join FamilyShare!

Price: Free Event

Date: March 19, 2015

Address:
First Baptist Church of Lafayette
205 North Main StreetLafayette, GA Map and Directions

What Do I Do with All of the Paperwork and Appointments? How Can I Keep It All Organized?

No one has figured out how to get more than 24 hours out of every day yet. So when your life changes because of a new diagnosis or a child’s special needs and you need to create a new schedule, what stays and what goes? How do you decide the priorities and get the most effect for every opportunity or appointment?

Join us as we talk about simple organizational strategies. Parents will be sharing from their own experience how they have learned to organize and manage their time effectively when raising a child with special needs.